Police walking the boards

The following extract is taken from a newsletter issued by Lothian & Borders Police to local businesses on community safety during the Edinburgh Festival.

We decided to republish this as it captures one of the great
elements of the Edinburgh Fringe - how the performances mix with
everyday life.

On Monday 6th August a police officer was on foot patrol within
the High Street on duty to prevent crime and reassure the public.
Whilst they were walking around their attention was drawn to
shouting coming from one of the stages.

Exactly what happened

The police officer observed a young male who was dressed in a
"shell suit" and baseball cap jump onto the stage and began
shouting abuse and using threatening behaviour. This was directed
at another male who was dressed in religious clothing and was
performing on the stage.

The young male dressed in the shell suit and baseball cap then
appeared to "punch" the male in religious clothing once, before
jumping off the stage and attempt to run away.

On seeing this, the police officer immediately grabbed hold of
him, preventing him from going any further. He seemed very
surprised to see the officer.

The officer then noted other persons, including the male who had
just been assaulted gather around her.

She radioed for her colleague to join her and then asked the
male in the shell suit exactly what was going on? To her horror he
replied, "I am part of the festival, this is my show".

To her further horror she realised that it was true!
Unfortunately the ground did not open up and swallow her.

However the crowd that had been watching the show began
clapping and taking photos!!!! The officer then momentarily joined
in with the joke before making good her escape.

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